How to identify a first printing
- 1936–present (acting-edition model): founded in 1936 by members of the Dramatists Guild. Publishes inexpensive paperbound acting editions intended for licensing, not collectible trade firsts. These are typically reset and reprinted continuously without edition statements, and printings are generally not distinguished bibliographically. Identify by the copyright year or years on the verso and by the standard DPS acting-edition format (plain card cover, cast and scenery requirements, royalty notice).
- All eras — first-issue tell: the earliest issue carries only the original copyright year, with no added later copyright dates and no revised-edition note. Later states accrue additional copyright years (revisions) and updated royalty and contact information. The DPS address and royalty-fee text on the back cover can roughly date a copy.
- Ownership for dating later copies: DPS was acquired by Broadway Licensing in 2021 (as part of Broadway Licensing Global, alongside Playscripts and Stage Rights). Broadway Licensing Global was then acquired by Concord Theatricals in 2025. The acting-edition format and identification conventions are unchanged, but newer copies may carry Broadway Licensing or, later, Concord Theatricals imprint or contact updates.
Notable points & cautions
- Acting editions are licensing tools, not designed as collectible firsts, so printings are usually indistinguishable; use copyright-year accretion and back-cover royalty text to date a copy.
- Often publishes the first printed appearance of a contemporary play, so the DPS acting edition can be the true first edition of the text even though it is humble in format.
- Ownership chain for dating: independent until 2021, then Broadway Licensing (2021), then part of Concord Theatricals (2025).
Imprints
First editions also appear under: Dramatists Play Service Acting Edition, DPS. Each generally follows the house convention above.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my Dramatists Play Service book is a first edition?
Check the copyright page. 1936–present (acting-edition model): founded in 1936 by members of the Dramatists Guild. Publishes inexpensive paperbound acting editions intended for licensing, not collectible trade firsts. These are typically reset and reprinted continuously without edition statements, and printings are generally not distinguished bibliographically. Identify by the copyright year or years on the verso and by the standard DPS acting-edition format (plain card cover, cast and scenery requirements, royalty notice). All eras — first-issue tell: the earliest issue carries only the original copyright year, with no added later copyright dates and no revised-edition note. Later states accrue additional copyright years (revisions) and updated royalty and contact information. The DPS address and royalty-fee text on the back cover can roughly date a copy.
Does Dramatists Play Service use a number line?
All eras — first-issue tell: the earliest issue carries only the original copyright year, with no added later copyright dates and no revised-edition note. Later states accrue additional copyright years (revisions) and updated royalty and contact information. The DPS address and royalty-fee text on the back cover can roughly date a copy.
Is a book-club edition a Dramatists Play Service first edition?
No. Book-club editions reprint the text but are not the true first edition. Acting editions are licensing tools, not designed as collectible firsts, so printings are usually indistinguishable; use copyright-year accretion and back-cover royalty text to date a copy.
What era does this cover?
This covers Dramatists Play Service (1936–present). Conventions changed over time, so confirm the era of your copy.